This sample of e-skin500 corresponds to a piece of skin of the H1 robot at the Technical University of Munich. In 2019, 1,260 cells of a prototype of e-skin500 was put onto its upper body, arms, legs and on the soles of its feet. The synthetic skin is made up of hexagonal cells each of which form an independent system. Like the human nerve system, this skin responds to touch and temperature. The pieces are placed alongside each other and they communicate with one another. Sensors continue to measure even when individual cells fail.

E-skin500 represented a groundbreaking innovation: It was not previously possible to provide a robot with a reactive surface due to insufficient computing capacity. E-skin500 can save 90 percent of this capacity as the skin cells only respond when there is an occurrence. This is known as a neuro-engineering approach. This type of invention helps robots to be more careful, enhancing safety when they function near people, meaning they can be used in patient care situations.